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INEC Announces New Date For 2023 General Elections

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced new dates for the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.

INEC had earlier announced February 18, 2023 for the presidential election.

Speaking to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday, (today) the National Chairman of the commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu said, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, February 25, 2023.

While Governorship and state houses of assembly elections will hold on March 11, 2023.

Yakubu’s statement reads thus, “As you are aware, yesterday, Friday 25th February 2022, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria signed the Electoral Bill 2022 into law. This is historic being the fourth time since the restoration of democracy in Nigeria in May 1999 that the Electoral Act was repealed and re-enacted. The 1998 – 1999 elections were administered by transitional decrees until the 2001 Electoral Act was passed into law. Then, the Act was repealed and re-enacted as the Electoral Act 2002 which was in turn repealed and re-enacted in 2006, 2010 and now we have the 2022 Electoral Act.

“You may recall that in 2017, the Commission decided to establish fixed dates for General Elections in Nigeria. This decision was based on our determination to create certainty in the electoral calendar and to enable all stakeholders in the electoral process (the electoral commission, political parties and candidates, security agencies, observers, the media etc.) to prepare adequately for elections. By that decision, Presidential and National Assembly elections shall hold on the third Saturday of the month of February of each General Election year, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections shall follow two weeks later.

“Consequently, the 2023 General Election was scheduled to commence on 18th February 2023 with the Presidential and National Assembly elections, followed by the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on the 4th of March 2023. However, the Commission could not release the detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the General Election, as it normally would, because of the pending enactment of the Electoral Act 2022. The Bill has now been signed into law.

“Therefore, the Electoral Act 2022, together with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), form the legal basis for conducting all elections in Nigeria. In particular, the Electoral Act provides strict timelines for the implementation of electoral activities based on the date of the General Election. One of the significant timelines is the publication of Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the day appointed for holding an election which has now lapsed for the 2023 General Election.

Consequently, the Commission has decided to adjust the dates of the 2023 General Election to ensure compliance with the provisions of the new law. Accordingly, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday 25th February 2023 while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold two weeks later on Saturday 11th March 2023. With this adjustment, the 2023 General Election is now 363 days away.

“Under the law, there are critical timebound activities from the publication of Notice of Election to the Conduct of Polls which form the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for elections. Some of the critical activities and their dates of implementation are as follows:

i. Publication of Notice of Election – Monday 28th February 2022.

ii. Conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them – Monday 4th April 2022 to Friday 3rd June 2022.

iii. Submission of nomination forms to INEC via the online portal for Presidential and National Assembly election – 9.00am on Friday 10th June 2022 to 6.00pm on Friday 17th June 2022.

iv. Submission of nomination forms to INEC via the online nomination portal for Governorship and State Assembly elections – 9.00am on Friday 1st July 2022 to 6.00pm on Friday 15th July 2022.

v. Commencement of Campaign by political parties for Presidential and National Assembly election – Wednesday 28th September 2022.

vi. Commencement of Campaign by political parties for Governorship and State Assembly elections – Wednesday 12th October 2022.

vii. Last day of campaign by political parties for Presidential and National Assembly elections – midnight on Thursday 23rd February 2023.

viii. Last day of campaign by political parties for Governorship and State Assembly elections – midnight on Thursday 9th March 2023.

“The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election will be circulated to the media at the end of this briefing. Soft copies will also be uploaded to the Commission’s website and social media platforms immediately. In addition, the Notice of Election will be published in our offices in all the States of the Federation as required by law on Monday 28th February 2022.

“With the coming into force of the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission will work assiduously to conclude and publish new Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections that are consistent with the Act.

“These Regulations and Guidelines as well as Manuals issued by the Commission are all part of the legal regulatory framework for elections. Their timely publication will enable all stakeholders in the electoral process to become conversant with their provisions as they prepare for the 2023 General Election.

“On this note, I wish to remind stakeholders, especially the political parties, of their responsibility to adhere strictly to the timelines in this Timetable and Schedule of Activities, as well as all other timelines established by the Commission. It is necessary that all political parties comply with the extant legal framework, ensure proper organisation and management of party primaries and the nomination of qualified candidates in order to prevent unnecessary litigations and rancour.

“I thank you for attending this conference and God bless”.

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Sen. Gbenga Daniel’s Federal College of Aviation Technology Bill Scheduled for Public Hearing

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A public hearing has been scheduled for the proposed bill regarding establishing the Federal College of Aviation Technology in Ilara Remo, Ogun State.
This bill, titled the Federal College of Aviation Technology, Ilara Remo, Ogun State (Establishment) Bill 2024 (58.52), has been proposed by His Excellency Senator Otunba Engr Gbenga Daniel, FNSE, FAEng.
All stakeholders and members of the general public are invited to attend this important event. The hearing will provide an opportunity for discussion and input on the proposed bill, which aims to establish a specialized institution for aviation technology in Ogun State.
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The Special Guest of Honor for the public hearing is the Senate President, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio, OON.
Date: Thursday, 11th July 2024
Time: 12:00 noon
Venue: Conference Room 231, New Senate Building, National Assembly, Abuja
All interested parties are encouraged to participate and contribute to the discussion on this important legislative proposal.
All stakeholders and members of the general public are invited to attend this important event.

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Otunba Gbenga Daniel Under Periscope 

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Reminiscent of historical figures, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, in just one year since his inauguration as Senator representing Ogun East in the Red Chambers, is proving once again to be both disruptive and futuristic in his legislative approach, echoing his unmatched achievements as a one-time governor of Ogun State, writes Seunmnuel Faleye.

 

Evoking a similarity to the legendary American lawmaker, Senator Robert C. Byrd, whose tenure in the U.S. Senate spanned over half a century and who was known for his relentless pursuit of infrastructure development in West Virginia, Daniel’s actions are a testament to how a determined legislator can transform the socio-economic landscape of their constituency. In Nigeria, a similar narrative is unfolding with Senator Gbenga Daniel, who is forging a new path with his visionary and strategic representation. Within his first year in the Senate, Daniel has spearheaded the establishment of the Federal College of Aviation Technology in Ilara Remo and the Naval Base in Abigi, Ogun Waterside – both unprecedented federal institutions in the region. These initiatives are poised to be game-changers, infusing new dynamics into Nigeria’s aviation industry and maritime security.

 

During a recent dialogue with journalists at the Iwe Iroyin secretariat, Senator Daniel gave a detailed account of his legislative achievements, emphasizing the dearth of federal institutions in Ogun East. The expanse from Idi Ayunre, the boundary of Ogun State with Ibadan in Oyo State, through Oru, Ijebu Igbo, Ijebu Ode, Ogun Waterside, Ijebu East, Ijebu North East, Odogbolu, Ikenne, Remo North, to Sagamu has long been devoid of federal presence. Senator Daniel’s interventions are not just filling this gap but setting a new standard for impactful representation.

 

As Governor of Ogun State from 2003 to 2011, Senator Daniel left an indelible mark on the region’s educational and industrial scene. He founded the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), the Gateway Polytechnic in Saapade, Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic in Ijebu Igbo, and the Gateway Industrial and Petro-Gas Institute (GIPI) in Oni, Ogun Waterside. Additionally, he relocated the Olabisi Onabanjo University to its permanent site in Ago Iwoye, moved the Tai Solarin College of Education to Omu in Odogbolu, and established the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OSUTH) in Sagamu. These institutions, still standing today, underscore his commitment to equitable development.

 

In his senatorial role, Daniel has further elevated his legacy by attracting significant federal investments to Ogun East. The Bill for the establishment of the Federal College of Aviation Technology in Ilara Remo has successfully passed its second reading in the Senate, with a public hearing scheduled for July 8, 2024. This institution is set to be a cornerstone of Nigeria’s aviation sector, addressing the critical need for specialized training. It promises to produce a new generation of skilled aviation professionals, thereby enhancing the country’s aerospace capabilities and positioning Nigeria as a significant player in the global aviation industry.

 

Similarly, the establishment of a Naval Base in Abigi, Ogun Waterside, represents a strategic initiative to bolster maritime security. With a two-billion-naira (N2b) allocation in the 2024 Budget, this naval base will enhance national security, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth in the Ijebu area. It will also play a crucial role in securing Nigeria’s waterways, combating maritime crimes, and ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods along the nation’s critical waterways.

 

Senator Daniel’s legislative approach reflects a profound understanding of the socio-economic needs and developmental aspirations of his constituency. His initiatives are not merely reactive measures but part of a broader, futuristic vision aimed at transforming Ogun East into a hub of educational excellence and maritime security. By leveraging his political acumen, visionary leadership, and long-standing experience as a boardroom honcho and Chairman, Kresta Laurel Limited, Daniel is orchestrating a new dynamic in strategic representation, ensuring that Ogun East reaps the benefits of federal presence and investment.

List of bills presented by Senator Gbenga Daniel and their current status:

 

South West Development Commission Bill

Status: 2nd Reading on the 21st of February 2024

Federal College of Aviation Technology, Ilara Remo

Status: 2nd Reading was taken on the 15th of November, 2023

Terminal Illness Trust Fund Bill

Status: 1st Reading on the 2nd of November, 2023

Media Practitioners Registration Council of Nigeria Bill

Status: 1st Reading on the 27th of February, 2024

Border Communities Development Agency (Amendment) Bill

Status: 1st Reading on the 4th of June, 2024

National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure Act (Amendment) Bill

Status: 1st Reading on the 4th of June, 2024

Hospices (Establishment) Bill

Status: Not specified

Constitution Of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Birth-Right Citizenship) Bill

Status: Not specified

Constitution Of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sovereign Investment Authority and the Sovereign Wealth Fund) Bill

Status: Not specified

Border Communities Development Agency (Amendment) Bill

Status: 1st Reading on the 4th of June, 2024

FCT, Destruction of Mosquitoes and Other Disease-Bearing Insects Bill

Status: Not specified

Finally, Senator Gbenga Daniel’s tenure in the Senate has been marked by a proactive and transformative approach to legislation. His initiatives, including the establishment of the Federal College of Aviation Technology and the Naval Base, underscore his commitment to elevating Ogun East to new heights of development. As these projects come to fruition, they will stand as enduring testaments to his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to his constituents. Like Senator Byrd’s legacy in West Virginia, Daniel’s work in Ogun East is set to leave a lasting impact, driving the region towards a future of prosperity and security.

 

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Why Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s Image Has Been On The Rise

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At the recent 60th birthday of his wife, Yeye Olufunke Daniel, a few weeks back, many were surprised at how Senator (Otunba) Gbenga Daniel was able to pull a mix of politicians from all the parties, to the party. Although, he is a valued member of APC, politicians from the PDP, Labour and other parties attended. His colleagues at the Senate all showed up at the party held at
Balmoral Event Centre at The Sheraton, Ikeja, Lagos. Members of the House of Reps were in ample attendance. It was a mixture of all the who- is-who in the 2 Chambers. A lot of former Governors attended. And many of the big politicians across the country gathered to honour one of their own, OGD.
Yes, it was a colourful birthday, but it sent strong signals to many politicians about the political strength of OGD.inner caucus. He is the Finance Minister & Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy to represent him at the Birthday. He also delivered a beautiful birthday message meant for both the celebrant and her husband.
That OGD is a powerful politician from the South West is pretty obvious. He has scaled and survived all the land mines thrown his way over the last 25 years, since his days as governor. One thing he has going for him, is his mastery of politics and politicking.
When he was in PDP, he was also quite influential so much so that he vied for the Chairmanship of the party. That made him travel round the country several times over, during which he built alliances across the Niger and Up North. When he handled Abubakar Atiku’s Campaign a few years back, he again engaged in marathon journeys across the 36 states of the federation. With the result that today, he has friends and political associates across Nigeria
Otunba Justus Olugbenga Daniel is an accomplished Engineer, a consummate politician and a quintessential Manager of Man and Resources. He is now The Senator
representing the Ogun East Senatorial District. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers; the Institute of Directors, Nigeria; the Nigerian Institute of Mechanical Engineering; and the Academy of Engineering. He was the Founder/Chairman, Kresta Laurel Limited (KLL) Lagos, an
Engineering firm that specializes in elevators, power systems, overhead travelling cranes and hoists which has remained a leader in its area of competence. He was a two-term Executive Governor of Oguns State between 2003 and 2011. Born on 6th April, 1956 into the family of the Most Reverend Adebola Daniel of Makun, Sagamu and late Madam
Olaitan Daniel of Omu-Ijebu, Otunba Daniel, brilliant, audacious and intuitive as a College Boy, attended the famous Baptist Boys High School (BBHS), Abeokuta, the School of Basic Studies at The Polytechnic, Ibadan and later studied Engineering at the University of Lagos. He further earned a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Lagos and subsequently attended the Lagos Business School for an executive programme. Otunba Daniel cut his professional teeth with Metal Construction (West Africa) Limited. He later worked with H.F. Schroeder (West Africa) Limited, Lagos where he served as the General Manager and later, Deputy Managing Director making him the first African to rise to that position in the history of the company’s operations. Kresta Laurel Limited is the foremost and the first ISO 9001 certified lift company in Nigeria. It is also the authorized distributor of KONE elevators; one of the biggest elevator makers in the world.
Otunba Daniel’s resolved to plough back into the society inspired him to go into public service through a not-for-profit organisation, the Gateway Front Foundation (GFF) which has, over the years impacted lives of the people positively, Otunba Gbenga Daniel contested and won the 2003 and 2007 Governorship elections in Ogun State, under which he signed “A Contract with the People” with a commitment to improve the living conditions of many by awakening the sleeping
giant Ogun State, through harnessing its human and natural resources.
He brought positive innovation and productive dynamism into governance. In terms of people- oriented programmes, it is
widely acknowledged that Otunba Daniel restored hope, rehabilitated infrastructure, re-engineered institutions and firmly put in place an agenda of modernisation in Ogun State. It is to his credit that Ogun State
became the investment destination of choice not only in Nigeria but also on the West Coast of Africa. Indeed, his programme on Public Private Partnership (PPP) attracted several businesses into the state during and after his tenure while the state gradually eased into the ranks of the world’s most attractive market. Some of his landmark achievements include; road rehabilitation, employment
generation, ICT revolution, investment influx, tourism, rural healthcare programme and sports development.
His footprints dotted several
areas like:
1. Founding of Nigeria’s first University of Education; The TaiSolarin University of Education(TASUED) which is the first in
Nigeria; second in Africa and eighth in the world.
2. Founding of Four ICT Polytechnics across the four zones of the state.
3.The construction of 3 world class Stadia and the upgrading of one stadium that attracted FIFA to hold a world cup at Ijebu-Ode.
4. The successful hosting of National Sports Festival and tournaments.
5. The transformation of Ogun State to a virile private sector driven business haven by
encouraging public private partnership.
6. The construction of over 2000 kilometres of road rehabilitation in his first four years as Governor.
7. Resuscitation and expansion of several
agricultural plantations.
8. Creation and invigoration of the South West Resource Centre.
9. Encouragement of Local & Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through Partnerships with various countries and Development Partners such as the Guangdong, China’s Business Community with multi billion Dollars Industrial Park in the state.
10. The initiation of the Olokola NLNG project.
&
11. The modernization of Olumo Rock Beautification of Laogo Island Beach thereby improving on the Tourism potentials of the state.
12. The conceptualisation, initiation, design, acquisition of lands, payment of compensation, getting all necessary approvals for the establishment of an Agro
Cargo Airport and Aerotropolis in the Remo area of Ogun State are all to the credit of Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
13. The Signing into law of the Child Rights Bill as the first governor in the whole country to
do such.
14. Conceptualisation and setting up of three Free Trade Zones in the state. Kajola FTZ in
Ifo, Ogun-Guangdong FTZ in Igbesa, and Olokola FTZ in Ogun Waterside.
15. Development of the Ogun State Master Plan, including the establishment of an Abeokuta Business District/City Centre at
Oke Ilewo Ibara.
Otunba Daniel has continued funding Youth Development Initiatives within and outside
Ogun State. He established the Political Leadership Academy (POLA) with the vision to identify, codify, enhance and propagate principles and capacities needed for effective
value-based socio-political and economic leadership. In recognition of his contributions to educational development in the State
 Otunba Daniel was honoured with several academic laurels some of which are: Honorary Fellow of the National Postgraduate
Medical College of Nigeria (2004) Dr. of Science Doctorof Development Administration (DDA, Honoris Causa) 2004 and Doctor of Agriculture (D. Agric, Honoris Causa) 2005 among others.
He has also won several distinguished awards including; One of Nigeria’s 100 Most Successful Businessmen (National Concord)-1993 MKO some of the Junior World Soccer Abiola Leadership Prize 2004, Zik Leadership Award, 2006 and •Africa Leadership Prize for the Best Performed Governor for year 2003 2004 among many
others.
Otunba Daniel was elected by an unprecedented number of votes in the history of Ogun East Senatorial District elections
during the 2023 general elections to represent the people of the District. Since he was elected a Senator to represent the people of Ogu East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on the Navy and the Vice Chairman, National Identity Management and Population has: Floated a Zero Interest Micro Credit revolving loan
empowerments Scheme for petty traders in the Senatorial District.
*Sponsored Free Eye Care program for thousands of people. in the Senatorial District.
* Facilitated a Rice Value Chain Training program for Rice Farmers in Remo
• Facilitated the distribution of Fertilisers to farmers in the district
*Facilitated the Renovation of a block of four Classrooms with Office finally completed and
delivered at Omu-Ajose Comprehensive High School, Omu Ijebu, Ogun State (Status:
Completed)
Facilitated the Construction of Perimeter Fencing of Otunba Gbenga Daniel Nursery and Basic School and Gated (Status: Completed)
Facilitated the sinking of Boreholes in Ijebu Ode and Ago Iwoye.
He has sponsored so many Bills.
They include:
1. South West Development Commission Bill: which has passed the First Reading Stage
and is waiting to be gazetted in the National Assembly Journal, on its way to 2nd Reading.
2. Federal College of Aviation Technology, llara Remo: 2nd Reading taken on Wednesday.
15th November 2023.
3. National Economic Coordinating and Intelligence Committee Bill: Submitted for Ist
Reading
4. Hospices (Establishment) Bill: Submitted for 1st Reading
5. Terminal Illness Trust Fund Bill (SB 223): 1st Reading taken on 2nd November, 2023
6. Draft Federal University of Industrial and Petro-Gas, Oni in Ogun Waterside Bill.
7. Draft National Academy of Science Bill.
8. Draft Medical Physics Regulatory Council of Nigeria Bill
9. Draft Media Practitioners Registration Council of Nigeria (MPRCN) Bill: MOTION (July 5, 2023)
Urgent Need to Intervene in the Flooding Issues in Sagamu, Ijebu Areas of Ogun East
Senatorial District, Ogun State, Edu and Patigi Areas of Kwara North Senatorial District of
Kwara State and other parts of the country.

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